Eyes widening

When Zhang Nengshou looked at Shen Shanden again, there was a touch more caution in his eyes.

Young people could be this terrifying!

Han Sanping snapped out of his euphoric victory and patted Shen Shanden on the shoulder. "I understand a young person's desire to build a career, but you can't be so eager for quick success."

"Don't be impatient. I heard you want to release it this year, around November. What's the rush?"

Shen Shanden did not hide it. "I'm mainly aiming for Paperclip."

"If Cannes won't open a back door for the director of Paperclip, then the film festivals worth going to would be in August or September. That means either the Toronto Film Festival or the Venice Film Festival."

"As for the release, late September or mid-to-late October—I'm hoping to ride Paperclip's coattails."

Han Sanping froze for a moment, then seemed to think of something. "Xiao Liao, I left my cup in the car. Go get it for me."

Seeing that even the secretary had been sent away, Zhang Nengshou was curious despite himself, but his social instincts were in full gear. He hurriedly said, "Director Han, there's a scene that needs me to personally confirm it. Director Shen, excuse me for a moment."

Shen Shanden walked him out. "Director Zhang, you should just call me Xiao Shen."

"Director Shen, the production will still follow your lead." Zhang Nengshou quickly made his stance clear.

From the looks of it, anyone who blocked Shen Shanden's path would be blocking Han Sanping's path.

Besides, from what he knew, Shen Shanden was someone who got things done.

For someone who genuinely did things, Zhang Nengshou would show the same attitude.

If The Grand Director was truly made, it would undoubtedly be a massive highlight in his career as well.

Just like how Chen Hui bragged that his old man had taken part in the Farewell My Concubine project, perhaps one day Zhang Nengshou, too, would have something he could boast about at the dinner table for the rest of his life.

The thought made Zhang Nengshou faintly excited, and he understood Han Sanping's feelings even better.

No one could refuse an opportunity they could brag about for a lifetime.

Once the others had gone, Han Sanping's tone grew heavier. "Why are you aiming for Paperclip? What coattails are you trying to ride?"

Shen Shanden analyzed, "The Venice Film Festival has always been very friendly toward us. Its Art Director, Marco Muller, is even an old friend of ours."

Han Sanping nearly lost control of his expression. "Someone tosses you a couple of compliments, and you take them for your friend? And don't throw around 'old friend.' At a time like this, do you know how hard it is to be called our old friend?"

"Can't you tell the difference between what people do and what they say?"

The old man's agitation baffled Shen Shanden, and he quickly tried to calm him down. "Don't get worked up."

Han Sanping was heartbroken. "I always thought you were a clearheaded kid. Hollywood is watching us like a tiger watches its prey—how can you not understand that Europe and America are one family when it comes to culture? Of course there are differences, but to them, those differences are internal conflicts. And what are we?"

"The legitimacy of the Eight-Nation Alliance hasn't disappeared. What happened to those bold words you spoke at your project launch? Your assessment of The European Big Three was spot-on—so why are you muddled now?"

Shen Shanden explained, "I meant that the Venice Film Festival is very likely to give the award to the director of Paperclip. That way—"

Han Sanping cut him off impatiently. "What does that have to do with you?"

Shen Shanden asked in return, "How does it have nothing to do with me? If he wins at the Venice Film Festival, wouldn't that make for a wonderful story?"

"This is an Oscar Best Director, a Venice Golden Lion winner, a Berlin Golden Bear winner—taking the Golden Lion twice, slaying the Golden Bear twice, a guest of honor at the Oscars and The European Big Three."

"Think about it: taking the Golden Lion twice, the pride of the Chinese people, our pride. By then, it'll be gongs and drums shaking the heavens, firecrackers bursting in unison. It'll definitely spark a moviegoing frenzy, and I can ride the coattails—"

Han Sanping felt his blood pressure rising. His temples throbbed and buzzed, and he was just short of throwing a punch. "What coattails are you riding? What glory do you have to ride? You said it yourself—he's a guest of honor at the Oscars and The European Big Three. Whose glory is he basking in? Ours? What glory are you riding? Even if there were glory to ride, would it be your turn?"

Shen Shanden was utterly perplexed. "No, Director Han, what do you mean by that?"

Han Sanping blinked. "What did I say? I didn't say anything!"

"It's you who needs to reflect properly. You're young—don't always think about taking shortcuts. Forget about Paperclip. And don't rush. Release it next year, in June or July. I'll clear out a good slot for you then."

"I'll put the Hollywood blockbusters ahead of you to clear the way, then leave two weeks open—guaranteeing the best release window. You'll have more room in your production schedule too, so there's no need to get anxious."

Shen Shanden shook his head and refused. "Director Han, I don't think this kind of crude market intervention is advisable. Even if the film succeeds that way, it'll still be flawed. You said it yourself: we can't take shortcuts."

"You brat, you can't understand human speech, can you? If I can make Hollywood obediently listen, that's my capability. That's the confidence the country gives me. Tell other countries to protect their industries too—do they have sovereignty? Can they do it?"

Han Sanping stopped putting on airs. Even his hometown dialect came out, and he cursed outright. "Don't be stupid. There's no glory for you to ride, and you can't ride any. The waters here run deep. Just make your films properly and don't go courting death."

Realizing he had let something slip, Han Sanping sounded weary as well. "Look at films that win awards overseas—what box office do they get domestically? If overseas awards could bring box office, then Jia Zhangke's Still Life won the Golden Lion Award too. Shouldn't it have broken records? And what happened? Three hundred thousand."

"What they're playing isn't film. It has nothing to do with film. Film is just a tool."

What, why was he getting so worked up?

Afraid that he might genuinely anger the old man into a stroke, Shen Shanden said, "Actually, I also think—"

"Don't give me what you think! What you think is useless!"

Han Sanping had to make him completely abandon this idea. "Don't get involved in these matters. This is a whirlpool. Once some things stick to you, you can't shake them off for the rest of your life. They'll follow you for the rest of your life. If you can live cleanly and honestly, then there are some things we should simply leave alone."

Han Sanping had said rather a lot, because even he could not be sure where all the entanglements within this would lead.

If Shen Shanden tried to be clever, there was a good chance both sides would focus their fire on him. The pressure from every direction would be far greater than when he declared, "A weak nation has no art." Either side could crush him with ease.

Shen Shanden's expression turned serious. "Actually, I've read the original novel of Paperclip."

"You've read the original novel—" Han Sanping instinctively denied it, stopped halfway through, then seemed to have his defenses shattered. Still, he clung to a sliver of hope. "And?"

Shen Shanden said, "With the talent of the director of Paperclip, according to what you said, he can become a guest of honor in Hollywood and at The European Big Three—"

"First, that's what you said. Second, spit it out if you've got something to say." Han Sanping's cultivation of composure was about to fail him. He was starting to lose control.

Shen Shanden said earnestly, "I just think that with Director Paperclip's expressive power, the film might be even more affecting than the original novel."

"If that happens, could there be some turbulence when it premieres?"

"Even if it premieres successfully, could something unexpected happen?"

"And even if nothing unexpected happens, could its reputation still go bad? If anything goes wrong at any stage, I'll be able to pick up the scraps."

"With a powerhouse film like Paperclip occupying that release window, other films will definitely steer clear. If I pick up the scraps, The Grand Director can enjoy two weeks without rivals in its release slot. That's already half a success."

"You, you, you..." Han Sanping finally snapped. "Are you kidding me? Is this what you call riding someone else's coattails? Does this have even the slightest thing to do with that?"

Was this fair? He was deceiving an old comrade in his fifties!

Not for the first time!

Not for the first time!

Not for the first time!

Han Sanping truly wanted Shen Shanden to go head-to-head with Huayi. Who knew who would end up bullying whom!

Shen Shanden looked aggrieved. "Wasn't I worried you wouldn't understand? If I'd blurted it out rashly, I was afraid you'd find it baffling. Now that I think you can understand, there's no need for me to hide it anymore."

Han Sanping was still furious and no longer wanted to deal with Shen Shanden. "If you want to pick up the scraps, remember one thing: make your fortune quietly. Don't get involved in anything."

"Looks like you understand it yourself. Remember, if you really happen to run into such an opportunity, that's profit. Just swallow the benefits and be done with it."

"You can say a few words of regret for the other side, too. There's nothing wrong with that. Be smarter."

After saying that, Han Sanping was somewhat exhausted.

Shen Shanden repeatedly assured him, "Some things can be said but not done; some things can be done but not said."

Han Sanping gave him a deep look. "I hope you really are smart. Hurry up and work on your project. Whether you can make it in time is another matter."

After calling out to his secretary, Han Sanping hurried away.

For the time being, he didn't want to deal with Shen Shanden.

The man stirred up his emotions too much—it was like riding a roller coaster. A few more times, and his blood vessels might develop problems.

The moment Han Sanping left, Shen Shanden immediately announced the good news. "President Han has given our work a high evaluation, and the project will receive further support from China Film Group."

Then he immediately arranged the communication work with the hospitals. "Give project presentations to the interested traditional Chinese medicine hospitals. We have China Film Group's full support, and this is also about promoting traditional Chinese medicine culture."

"And tell the other hospitals as well: if we succeed, it will greatly promote traditional Chinese medicine. Could Western medicine really be content to let traditional Chinese medicine have all the glory?"

They would stop at nothing—no, they would go all out to freeload on the hospitals' support.

The daytime work ended, but when night came, Shen Shanden was still busy without pause.

"Who are you having dinner with outside tonight? You don't have a gathering today." Da Mimi was checking up on him, danger brimming in every word.

Shen Shanden had already been restless before, and now...

Shen Shanden was baffled. Who leaked the secret?

"Sister Bingbing invited me. If we can win her over, our project will have a top-tier star joining it."

Da Mimi asked, "Which Bingbing? Li Bingbing?"

"Fan Bingbing."

It was over. Da Mimi felt as though the sky had fallen.

"Can you stop doing things behind my back?"